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Pretty in purple: A look at the 5.11 Tactical Mira 2-in-1 Backpack

August 23, 2018

The Mira 2-in-1 by 5.11 Tactical offers a feminine and compact solution for a day at the range. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)

In a sea of flat dark earth and black, sometimes a girl just wants a splash a color on range day. Enter the 5.11 Tactical Mira 2-in-1 Backpack. Boasting that classic 5.11 Tactical style, the gear and accessory makers bring a function yet colorfully fun backpack series to women looking for a solid, durable backpack to take to the range.

The Mira 2-in-1 offers a practical approach to a tactical backpack for ladies with two packs rolled into one. The main pack is a 25-liter backpack with a total of three external pockets and two interior pockets. The largest compartment features a laptop area designed to securely house a 15-inch computer in addition to two interior pockets perfect for smaller items. The pack’s smaller pockets, one on the front and one right behind the handle are perfect for small, quick access items such as multi-tools, glasses, keys and chapstick. The main pack tops off its design with two mesh water bottle holders located on each side of the bag.

The Mira comes loaded with features like durable straps, hook and loop for patches, a lined glasses pocket, and a subtle nod to 5.11 with an understated logo. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)

Accompanying the main pack is a smaller, crossbody purse that attaches via straps and connectors at the bottom of the pack. The purse measures 10x9x3 inches and is divided internally by an array of pockets and holders for smaller accessories. The crossbody purse sits at the front of the main pack when connected or can be removed to offer a smaller solution for toting around.

Durability, comfort and style

The Mira is a head turner. It’s rich, deep burgundy color – known as Garnet – is a stunning change of pace at the range usually filled with flat dark earth packs and black bags. It’s feminine yet avoids the cliched pink that seems to infiltrate the industry when it comes to women’s accessories. Delivering a tactical style, common to 5.11 Tactical’s brand, it still remains understated and can easily move from the range to the hiking trail to the park.

What makes the Mira an impressive addition to the backpack arsenal is its comfort. Padded, shoulder straps help reduce the pains normally associated with carrying guns, ammo and gear while the chest strap also offers the security of keeping straps solidly in place. The back of the pack is constructed with airflow in mind, keeping the wearer cooler even during long treks.

Thought a tad smaller than some of the other range bags, the author found the Mira to be the perfect size for shorter range days, especially to indoor ranges. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)

A durable design, the Mira is well-built. 5.11 Tactical sent me the Mira almost a year ago and the bag is still holding up. It regularly accompanies me to the range and has been my go-to travel backpack for the past year, attending both SHOT Show and the National Rifle Association’s Annual Meeting. The Mira has kept pace with regardless of where I’ve hauled too, offering plenty of interior room to stow guns, accessories and gear. Additionally, I’ve experienced no zipper failures, thanks to YKK zippers, or tears in the material. The pack looks as good as she did when she first arrived on my door step.

At the range and on the go

Looking for a smaller solution to tote to the indoor range, which requires less accessories on my part, I turned to the Mira 2-in-1. Though it looks small, the backpack actually features quite a bit of room and the external straps allow it to expand further than you’d think. Perfect for days when I’m focused on one handgun, the Mira easily accommodates a pistol case or two, depending on size, as well as multiple packs of ammo, targets, and necessary safety gear. I even toss in my wallet, keys and phone in the crossbody purse portion to keep those items separate and easily accessible.

The organizational pockets on the interior and exterior of the bag also reduce the amount of time I’m digging through the backpack on the hunt for accessories. My shooting glasses easily stow in the convenient, lined glasses compartment at the top of the bag while my ear pro slips into the main compartment’s pocket. Targets fit into the laptop compartment and my multi-tool and small cleaning kit slid into the mesh pocket inside the Mira’s main compartment area.

The crossbody purse removes easily from the main backpack, giving users a smaller bag when on the go. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)

While I used the Mira as a smaller range bag, it also is a great companion when on the go. The laptop compartment fits up to a 15-inch computer, perfect for travels or work events. Side water bottle pockets are perfect for stowing drinks or snacks and the crossbody purse, when attached, is a great means to tote a book, notepads and pens. All-in-all, the Mira delivers a solid bag that easily transitions from the indoor range to hikes at the park or even events where users might want extra room for souvenirs.

The Mira 2-in-1 backpack is a solid contender in the range bag ring. Providing a durable construction that withstand the rigors of the range or even treks in the outdoors paired with a stylish exterior, the Mira is a fun yet functional backpack design from the tactically inspired company. Though the Mira is a bit on the pricey side, retailing for over $100, users won’t be disappointed with its amenities or eye catching appearance.

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